Asian maker sales: Toyota soars as others gain, too

Toyota reported huge sales increases for May, up 87.3% compared to a year ago when its sales lots were decimated by production lost to Japan's earthquake and tsunami.

Now, with plenty of fresh inventory, sales of the Prius "family" of vehicles tripled over the same month last year. Yaris, Camry, Land Cruiser, RAV4 and Highlander all saw sales double. Sales of just about all models increased.

Toyota's comeback was so strong that it nearly topped Ford in the monthly sales listing to be No. 2 in the U.S. The big increase extended to its Lexus luxury lineup as well, which saw a 56.3% sales increase over the same month last year. Its new version of its GS were up 502.1%.

Sales of all Toyota and Lexus hybrid models taken together doubled, reflecting how greater inventory and high gas prices are bringing in customers.

Comments Edmunds.com analyst Michelle Krebs, "Toyota, as expected, posted a stunning year-over-year percentage increase. Remember where Toyota was a year ago, however, largely without much product to sell because of the earthquake and tsunami. Ford held the No. 2 sales spot over Toyota, a position that looked to be at risk."

"With our best May sales performance since before the financial crisis it's obvious Honda's return to strength is in full swing,, and our May sales are impressive irrespective of last year's production supply problems," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales, in a statement. "Anytime Honda Civic sales surpass 33,000 units in a month, it shows real demand in the marketplace."

Like Toyota, Honda's comparison to last year fared well considering how its inventories had been depleted by the Japan disaster in March, 2011.

Besides doing well with Civic, Honda said its CR-V crossover set a May sales record and Accord sales were up 70%. The Accord will be replaced later this year by a redone version.

Acura, Honda's luxury division, saw its sale rise by 62.1%. It's new ILX compact luxury car just went on sale.

Nissan: Japan's third largest automaker reported May sales up 20.5% from a year ago to 91,794 units.

The Nissan brand posted 81,202 sales, up 16.4% from a year ago. The Rogue small crossover was up 72% to 11,977 while the quirky Juke was up 66% and redone Versa was up 80%. The Titan big pickup was up 87%. An all-new 2013 Altima goes on sale later this month.

Nissan's upscale Infiniti brand had sales up 66% to 10,592, including 2,678 of the all-new JX 3-row crossover.

Among other Asian carmakers:

Hyundai: CEO John Krafcik, in his monthly sales comments on Twitter said the brand's sales growth moderated to up 13% in May at 67,019 sales, though pointed to inventory shortages in his Tweet that added: "2nd best month ever. Record Genesis sales. Elantra & Sonata lean inventory. New Veloster & Azera hot! jfk" May was the second best U.S. sales month in company history and the company said it is operating with just 32 days of inventory.

Kia: The Hyundai corporate sibling in May sold its four millionth vehicle since it came to the U.S. in 1994. It was a 21st consecutive record month in the U.S. as sales rose 7.4% to 51,771. The Optima sedan, Sorento crossover and Soul boxy car were leaders, and the just redone subcompact Rio was up 60% vs. the old model a year ago.

Mazda: Sales rose 14% to 20,357, including sales of 3,973 of its important new CX5 crossover in its third month of sales. And sales of the Mazda 6 mid-size sedan were up 40% at 2,294 sold in the month.

Subaru: The brand had a record May with sales up a big 48% to 29,724. The all-new Impreza compact continues to have traction now that inventory is up -- sales were 6,786, up 235% vs. the old model a year ago.

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About Chris Woodyard

Chris Woodyard is an auto writer for USA TODAY who covers all aspects of motoring. He revels in the exhaust note of a Maserati and the sharp creases of a Cadillac CTS. Chris strives to live a Porsche life on a Scion budget. More about Chris